The Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is a landmark treaty between the governments of Australia and Japan that provides a framework for each country’s forces to operate in the other country.
The RAA establishes standing arrangements and streamlines processes to support the deployment of forces, allowing for quicker deployment, more certainty, and less administration. It facilitates more sophisticated practical cooperation between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
This is Japan’s first defence treaty with an international partner since 1960, underscoring its significance and the mutual priority Australia and Japan place on the bilateral collaboration. The RAA will be Japan’s first reciprocal treaty regulating the status of foreign forces in Japanese territory. It will also position Australia for enhanced engagement with other likeminded partners in pursuit of shared goals of peace and development.
Significance
It is in Australia’s national interest to work closely with likeminded partners to support an open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Australia and Japan share a common vision in this regard, which is reflected by the special strategic partnership. The RAA builds on the special strategic partnership, based on shared values and interests, trust and respect.
The increasing complexity of Australia's security environment strengthens the need to grow regional partnerships, a key message underlying Australia’s 2023 Defence Strategic Review, and 2024 National Defence Strategy.
Australia must be able to
- deter any conflict before it begins
- prevent any potential adversary from coercing Australia through force
- support regional security
- uphold a favourable regional strategic balance.
Working together with capable and professional partners like Japan will contribute to strengthening Australia's military capabilities and interoperability. It will also assist in meeting the strategic security challenges Australia faces.
The Australian Defence Force has a deep and growing relationship with the Japanese Self-Defense Forces across the air, ground, sea, space and cyber domains. Together they are working to achieve a stable, resilient and prosperous region underpinned by open markets, freedom of navigation and the rule of law.
Treaty text
The RAA contains provisions that enhance bilateral defence cooperation, as do defence treaty agreements Australia has with other partners. It includes a package of non-legally-binding texts covering issues relevant to defence activities and deployments.
These include simplified entry and exit, importation and exportation, taxation and customs procedures; access to facilities; communications; licensing; use of vehicles; carriage, handling and transportation of weapons; protection of information; disciplinary matters; criminal jurisdiction; security; claims; and accident and incident procedures.
The treaty text can be found at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website.
Entry into force
The RAA entered into force on 13th August 2023, after Australia and Japan completed their respective domestic processes to give effect to the agreement. For further detail on this process, please visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade treaty-making process website.